System Diagnostics

Your vehicle is driving erratically, or you’ve got a warning light on your dashboard that was blinking yesterday and now is on steady. What do you do? Hint: the answer is not to put a piece of electrical tape over the warning light and pretend it’s not happening. Quick attention to dashboard lights can save you thousands on serious repairs down the road.

What makes a dashboard light come on?

Today’s vehicles are manufactured with complex interrelated systems.(This has been the case since 1996). On-board computers continuously monitor and store information concerning the performance of these systems. A warning light comes on because the computer has sensed a signal from one of the systems or components that has gone outside of its normal operating range. The computer then sends a signal to turn on the dashboard light to let you know something is wrong!

The potential causes for a warning light can range from improperly tightening your gas cap to engine, transmission or braking system performance issues. While dashboard lights can go on and the car still appears to be driving “fine”, ignoring some lights can lead to serious issues, such as engine damage or other component failure. In some instances, this can be a safety hazard. That’s why it is recommended to have your car looked at by a certified professional like Rusty Nut Enterprises as soon as possible for both your safety and peace of mind.